Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu Province in eastern China. Located on the southern bank of the Yangtze River near its tributary Qinhuai, it is a major historical, cultural, and economic center.

Throughout its history, Nanjing has served as the capital of several states and regimes. It was the capital of the early Ming dynasty before the court moved to Beijing, and in the 20th century it functioned as the capital of the Republic of China for a period. The city is known for the Nanjing Massacre of 1937, an event during the Second Sino-Japanese War, and for the subsequent rebuilding.

Key historical and cultural sites include the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum on Purple Mountain, the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the preserved city walls, and the Confucius Temple area. The Purple Mountain Observatory is also notable. The area around Qinhuai River is a historic commercial precinct.

Economically, Nanjing is a major manufacturing and service center with strengths in information technology, education, and research. It hosts prestigious universities such as Nanjing University and Southeast University. The city is connected by Nanjing Lukou International Airport and high-speed rail links to Shanghai, Beijing, and other cities, as well as a metropolitan subway system.